Harare City Council Workers Demand Justice Over Unpaid Salaries Amid Economic Turmoil

The ongoing financial struggle of Harare City Council (HCC) employees has reached a critical point. They’ve gone more than three months without receiving their United States dollar salary component. Their requests for an increment have been denied, leaving them in a precarious situation.

The Zimbabwean economy has been volatile, eroding local currency value. Yet, despite inflation and rising costs of living, HCC employees continue to receive Zimbabwean dollars (ZiG), which barely sustains them. The workers, represented by the Water and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe, have voiced their frustrations.

The crux of their issue lies in a collective bargaining agreement. While an agreement was reached on paper, Harare City Council management—represented by Godfrey Kusangaya and Bozman Matengarufu—has yet to finalize the deal. This delay is not only frustrating for workers but highlights deeper structural issues within the city’s financial management.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement, signed on October 11, 2024, outlines a temporary suspension of USD salary components. This suspension was set to last from July to October 31, 2024, with a hardship allowance of 33% on the US$150 salary equivalent. By November, the agreement stipulates that HCC must resume payment of the USD salary component.

However, as deadlines loom, concerns over whether the arrears will be cleared linger. Workers argue they are left without enough to cover rent, food, or transportation costs. The salary of ZiG3,000 is barely enough, especially with Zimbabwe’s fluctuating exchange rates and inflationary pressures.

As Zimbabwe’s inflation continues to skyrocket, many public sector workers, including HCC employees, are struggling to make ends meet. It’s a troubling reflection of the broader economic challenges Zimbabwe faces. HCC employees, many of whom are renters, find themselves in a desperate situation, unable to cover basic living costs.

This financial strain is not just about salaries. It’s about the dignity and livelihood of workers who dedicate their time to serving the city. When the city’s workforce struggles to make ends meet, the ripple effects can be felt across every sector of urban life.

The failure of HCC management to finalize the agreement has pushed employees to consider more drastic measures. Musarurwa has announced plans for a demonstration, with workers intending to march to Town House in protest. This move could intensify the pressure on HCC leaders to resolve the issue.

The Harare mayor, Jacob Mafume, while sympathetic, has reiterated that worker welfare remains a top priority. Yet, the ongoing financial gridlock suggests a disconnect between intent and action.

As Zimbabwe grapples with an unstable economy, the future for public sector employees remains uncertain. The issues surrounding the HCC case echo the struggles faced by many across the country. It’s not just about one city council—it’s a symptom of a wider economic malaise.

Authorities need to address not only the immediate concerns of salary payments but the broader structural issues within Zimbabwe’s public service. Failing to do so risks further disillusionment among workers and potentially crippling essential services.

In the face of financial strain, Zimbabwe’s workers continue to demand not just their wages but a sense of justice. The story of HCC workers is one of resilience in the face of adversity, but it also underscores the urgent need for economic reforms to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The Zim Bulletin